Lustleigh Cleave and the Cleave Inn
The Lustleigh Cleave walk:
Our Nutcracker walk is a 4km route through Lustleigh Cleave, with rocky woodland paths, a steep uphill start and a difficulty rating of 3 out of 3. It is one of the more challenging family walks in the collection, with uneven ground, a proper climb and no buggy access at all. A carrier is the better option for younger children.
Once you are higher into the cleave, the route opens up with views across Dartmoor and towards nearby tors. The contrast between the shaded woodland below and the open ground above is what makes this one feel so rewarding.
Higher up, the landscape changes completely. The trees begin to give way to bracken, heather and open views across Dartmoor, with Hunter’s Tor sitting above the cleave and giving the walk a satisfying sense of destination.
This one is best for families who are happy with a steeper, rockier outing and want something that feels like a proper adventure. Expect uneven ground, climbing, some puffing and probably a few snack negotiations along the way. It's tough, but it's an excitig challenge and well worth the view.
The contrast is what makes it special. Shady ancient woodland below, breezy open ground above, then the same beautiful cleave waiting for you on the way back down.
The food and drink stop:
After the walk, head into Lustleigh for The Cleave, right in the heart of the village.
The Cleave is a 15th century thatched pub and restaurant, with a cosy bar, dining room and garden. It feels completely at home in Lustleigh, surrounded by old stone walls, leafy lanes and the kind of village setting that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Food is a big part of the appeal here. The Cleave serves lunch and evening meals from Wednesday to Saturday, with Sunday lunch available into the afternoon, alongside drinks and plenty of opportunity for a slower post walk stop. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are also available.
It is a particularly good match for Nutcracker because the pub and the walk feel rooted in the same little corner of Dartmoor. After a steeper woodland climb and big views above the cleave, somewhere warm for a proper meal or a drink in the garden feels very well earned.
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Enjoy
Dartmoor Partner
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